Performance
Score Breakdown
Beckley
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Beckley is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Beckley's average rent is
33% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Beckley | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,412 | -33% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $200 | $281 | -29% |
| Transport | $150 | $126 | +19% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $2,000 | $2,404 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 48% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Beckley is estimated at
$45,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Beckley | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $31,431 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,978 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $45,826 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Beckley | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Beckley has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Beckley | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 15.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Beckley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Beckley | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,196 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 42.3 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Beckley
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Beckley is significantly lower than the national average, including housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Housing is highly affordable, with a 2024 median property value of $158,000 and a positive home affordability ratio.
Commute times are notably shorter, with an average one-way commute of 16.5 minutes, well below the national average.
Beckley offers a strong sense of community and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
The city provides access to abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Appalachian Mountains, including rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Drawbacks
Amenities are limited, and nightlife and dining options are sparse, contributing to a lower livability score.
Job opportunities are limited, and many residents commute out of town for work, impacting employment scores.
The city is highly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 15, and public transportation is not readily available.
Concerns exist regarding rising drug use and its impact on community health and safety.
Utility costs can be high in rural West Virginia, potentially offsetting some of the overall affordability benefits.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Beckley
#111West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$31,431
Cost Index
85
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
15.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
56
Business
60
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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